ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday announced that the first round of hearings in ‘sugar cartelisation case’ would be concluded by the next week.

The CCP had commenced hearings on Jan 7 in the proceedings against Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) and 84 member mills for prima facie cartelisation in violation of Section 4 of the Competition Act 2010, a press release said.

Hearings were held this year on Jan 7, 8, 11, 15 and 20, respectively, and so far the commission had heard PS­MA and 40 sugar mills through their respective counsels, the CCP press release said.

The matter was initially fixed for hearing last year on Nov 20, 24 and 25, however, owing to requests from the respondents’ adjournments were granted. The first round of hearings is underway with counsels raising their preliminary objections before the bench.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2021